Amgdala–prefrontal circuits in fear extinction
Official title: Causal Dynamics of Human Amygdala-Prefrontal Circuits During Fear Extinction Learning
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT07800455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how fear learning and extinction work in people with epilepsy who are already undergoing brain monitoring, by recording and stimulating Brain regions involved in fear.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2031 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | September 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07800455 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with epilepsy undergoing clinically indicated intracranial electrode implantation that covers at least one fear-related region (amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate, insula, or prefrontal cortex).
✕Probably not a fit
Participants whose implanted regions do not show meaningful engagement with the fear tasks or who do not respond to stimulation may not directly benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will record brain activity from clinically implanted SEEG electrodes while participants perform fear learning and extinction tasks, and will apply intracranial electrical stimulation to study causal interactions between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The study aims to identify how different amygdala subregions and hemispheres contribute to fear extinction and how stimulation may modulate these circuits. Participants are adults with epilepsy undergoing SEEG for clinical care, with coverage of fear-related brain regions. The work may help explain neural mechanisms underlying fear regulation and guide future therapies for fear-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could inform new strategies to enhance fear extinction for conditions like PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work using intracranial stimulation and SEEG has provided insights into fear circuits, but human causal data remain limited and this study extends that approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At least 18 years of age. 2. Able to understand the nature of the task. 3. Able to provide informed consent themselves or provide consent through their legally authorized representative. 4. Undergoing clinically indicated intracranial electrode implantation with coverage of at least one fear-related brain region, including the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex, insula, or prefrontal cortex. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Under the age of 18. 2. Unable to understand the nature of the task. 3. Unable to provide informed consent themselves or provide consent through their legally authorized representative. 4. No clinically indicated intracranial electrode coverage in any fear-related brain region, including the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex, insula, or prefrontal cortex
Where it's running
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tao Xie, PhD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tao Xie, PhD
- Email: xiet@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-747-1443
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.